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Semin Speech Lang 2001; 22(1): 079-088
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-13863
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Examining the Quality of Children's Stories: Clinical Applications

Vera F. Gutierrez-Clellen1 , Lisa DeCurtis2
  • 1San Diego State University, San Diego, California and
  • 2Center for Speech, Language, and Occupational Therapy, San Jose, California.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Research has shown that narrative analysis is an appropriate method for assessing the narrative skills of children from diverse backgrounds. Child narrative studies are reviewed to show crosslinguistic similarities and differences across Spanish and English speakers. An approach that examines the quality of children's narratives based on research with Spanish-speaking children is then described. The protocol focuses on the plot, clarity, cohesion, specificity, and memorable features of narratives as assessment categories. Methodological issues are discussed, and narrative samples from two children with and without language impairment are used to illustrate the analysis.

KEYWORD

Child - narrative - assessment - Spanish

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